Chapter 12

It was dark and everybody in the Castle was sleeping when Kenna was still sitting on her table, a quill clutching in her hand. The candle, she had inflamed, gave only very little light. But it was enough to bring the words to paper, she had concocted in her mind.

Tears streamed down her face, which she quickly wiped away. She could no longer hesitate. She had to hurry. Because the carriage, that should bring them out of the Castle, would arrive soon. She had thought about everything, but in reality, everything looked different.

She closed her eyes and could literally feel Bash's lips again on her skin, his mouth on hers, his hands touching her everywhere...

Aprubtly, she opened her eyes and sighed. She knew now that her decision had been right to leave the Castle. She could not stay. Not if it meant to give up Bash. And she had to abstain from him because of Mary.

A few hours ago she believed that she could manage to live under the same roof with them. But then she had imagined what it would be like to have dinner together. She didn't want to see how they would exchange amorous glances, hold hands or kiss each other. She couldn't bear it.

But the worst part was that she could not confide in Mary. She seemed to be happy with Bash. And though, apparently, he had still sentimental residual feelings for her, Kenna knew that he belonged to Mary. She didn't want and couldn't destroy their happiness. But she knew that she couldn't tell the truth. She had to invent a lie. And she also had to consider where she should go.

The thought that she would take Daniel away from his father and vice versa, brought tears in her eyes again. Perhaps, a solution for both of them would be found later on. But now she had to act quickly.

She sighed deeply and looked at the piece of paper in front of her. How should she start...

Dearest Mary!

If you are reading these lines, I'm gone. Unfortunately, I could not say goodbye to you personally, because the reason that had caused my departure was a matter of life and death. As soon as I can I'll report back to you. Give Bash my sincerest regards too. I hope he can forgive me that I took Daniel with me. I am convinced that he would have been a good father. But sometimes it's better if things remain as before.

With kind regards

Kenna

Kenna folded the letter and put it in an envelope. She was not really happy with it, but time was short. She looked frightened, as the door opened.

"Milady?"

Bernadette, the nanny, entered the chamber. "I have prepared everything for our departure. I wanted to wake Daniel and help to dress him."

Kenna nodded as she looked over to the bed, where her son slept peaceful and unsuspecting. "Can you do that? It would be very helpful."

She took the letter from the table. "I'll bring the message to Mary's maid servant. She should give it to her in the morning."

Bernadette nodded. "Forgive me, Milady, but I still don't understand why we have to leave."

Kenna tightened her shoulders. "It is not your place to scrutinize my decisions!" she said harsher than intended. "Please wake my son and dress him! I'll be right back."

"Yes, Milady." Bernadette rushed to Daniel's bedside while Kenna left the room to find Mary's maid servant.

When she came back to her chamber, Daniel was ready and dressed. He sat on the already made bed and rubbed his eyes.

"Bernadette says we go away?" he asked drowsily.

Kenna sat down next to her son and stroked his head gently.

"Yes, we take the horse carriage and make a little trip into the countryside."

Daniel's eyes started to shine when he heard, "trip".

"Bash comes with us?"

Kenna felt a stab in her heart. How should she tell him that he wouldn't see his father for a long time?

"No, my darling, Bash won't come with us. He has work to do." she lied.

"But he promised... going riding!" Daniel insisted stubbornly.

"Another time." Kenna got up. "Come on now! We have to hurry. The carriage does not wait. And be quiet, please, when we go across the hall!"

Grudgingly, Daniel grabbed his mother's hand and followed her and the nanny outside where a carriage with two horses was waiting for them.

"I don't know why we have to go." lamented Bernadette. "Everybody was so nice to us. Especially her Majesty..." She entered the carriage, sighing.

Kenna helped Daniel in the carriage and followed him. With a last nostalgic glance back to the Castle, she gave the carriage driver order to leave.